The GroveWhy Play It? This new luxury golf resort on the site of a centuries-old estate outside of London just hosted the World Golf Championships on its fine parkland layout.Your Chances of Getting On: Good; very good as a hotel guest.Peak Greens Fees: 155 to 165 pounds (about $309 to $329).Contact: Chandler's Cross, Hertfordshire; 011-44-19-2329-4266; www.thegrove.co.uk

Old Course, Walton Heath Golf ClubWhy Play It? This former Ryder Cup venue is ranked among the world's top 100 and is the game's preeminent example of heathland design, carved from a sea of heather with a distinctive "inland links" feel.Your Chances of Getting On: Good. For a private club, Walton Heath is especially welcoming, but since the course hosts frequent events, tee times should be made as far in advance as possible. Peak Greens Fees: 100 to 120 pounds (about $199 to $239). Contact: Dean's Lane, Tadworth; 011-44-17-3781-2380; www.whgc.co.uk

Stoke Park ClubWhy Play It? The very real movie site of fictional spy James Bond's pivotal match against Goldfinger, this course was designed by the greatest parkland architect of all time, Harry Colt.Your Chances of Getting On: Good, but the public is welcome only on weekdays, while hotel guests can also play on weekends.Peak Greens Fees: 125 pounds (about $249).Contact: Contact: Park Road, Stoke Poges; 011-44-17-5371-7171; www.stokeparkclub.com

LOS ANGELES

Pelican HillWhy Play It? Long considered the top public courses near L.A., Tom Fazio's two oceanfront designs will be even better after their major renovations are finished.Your Chances of Getting on: Good. The revamped courses open this fall, and a new hotel a year later, so the public will have plenty of access.Peak Greens Fees: TBDContact: 22651 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Beach; (949) 760-0707;, www.pelicanhill.com

Trump NationalWhy Play It? This dramatic clifftop design has the best coastal exposure in the L.A. area, with stunning scenery throughout.Your Chances of Getting on: Good if you are willing to pay top dollar, better during the week.Peak Greens Fees: $250 to $375Contact: 1 Ocean Trails Drive, Ranchos Palos Verdes; (310) 265-5000;, www.trumpgolf.com

Palos Verdes Golf ClubWhy Play It? This hilly, coastal, exclusive course was designed by the renowned George Thomas, of ultraprivate Riviera fame.Your Chances of Getting On: Fair; the semiprivate club allows outside play only during the week.Peak Greens Fees: $215. Contact: 3301 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates; (310) 375-2759; www.pvgc.com